Wuppertal, Cederberg, Western Cape

There are two things that are amazing about Wuppertal in the Cederberg. The first is the drive to get there. If you are driving from Clanwilliam, through the Biedouw Valley, and it is flower season, you may be forgiven for stopping right there, and think you were in heaven. Normally a ruggedly, remote route, the Biedouw Valley flower carpets will have you whip out your cameras. Wuppertal can also be reached from Citrusdal, along a back 4×4 route which is one of the most awe inspiring experiences, with plenty of rugged scenery, streams, precipitous cliffs and other natural wonders. To take this route, drive about 28km from Citrusdal and turn right onto the Cederberg Mountains Algeria Road.

Once you arrive in Wuppertal, far from civilisation, you have reached a village lost in time. Set up in 1830 as a Rhenish Mission, the flock were taught the art of shoe making, which they continue today, with the same handmade methods taught in 1830. The whitewashed, thatched cottages are dominated by the Church, and you can enjoy a cup of tea whilst reflecting on this idyllic spot of history. Local farmers in the fertile valley tend gardens in which fruit and vegetables are grown.